By Cheryl Eddy

IT'S HARD TO believe, but the calendar's about to flip over into the futuristic world of 2005. Halfway to 2010, baby! Per usual, the New Year is set to be greeted with huge parties, comedy performances, slurred renditions of Auld Lang Syne, and other merriments galore. Most events are 21-and-over only, and advance tickets are recommended. All events take place Dec. 31 unless otherwise noted.

clubs/parties

'Big Wave Eve' Cherry Bar, 911 Folsom; 675-LOVE, www.newwavecity.com. 9pm-2am, $15-25. Re-Flexx and New Wave City host this night of dancing to late-'70s and early-'80s tunes, with DJs Shindog, Skip, low-life, and John.

'Birth of a New Year' Mezzanine, 444 Jessie; 625-8880, www.spundae.com or www.mezzaninesf.com. 8pm, $25-100. Derrick Carter, D:Fuse, and other top DJs spin at the Spundae-Mezzanine New Year's bash.

Blue Cube New Year's Eve Blue Cube, 34 Mason; www.bluecubesf.com. 10pm-7am, $25-30. Bulletproof, Lo-Rise, Whoosh, and Gaiatronik host a joint party at this new downtown venue, with Djs Jeno, Markie, Garth, and more.

Breakfast of Champions Whisper S.F., 535 Florida; www.spacecowboys.org. Jan. 1, 6am. $10. Why stop dancin' when the clock strikes midnight when the Space Cowboys are eager to keep you moving past dawn?

'Dancin' on Top of the World' Carnelian Room, 555 California; www.bacw.org. 8:30pm-1:30am, $100. Bay Area Community of Women and the National Center for Lesbian Rights host this formal party.

'Dancin' 3-D' Hyatt Regency San Francisco, 5 Embarcadero Center; 421-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com. 8pm, $100-125. This party features the Pointer Sisters, Rose Royce, and Pride and Joy rolling out dance hits, plus a "Comedy Room" with stand-up performances, and the world's largest balloon drop at midnight.

'Disco' Luna Lounge, 1192 Folsom; www.popscene-sf.com. 10pm-4am, $10. Leisure vs. Popscene presents this party, featuring DJs Aaron, Omar, and Disco Shawn, the band Madelia, and others.

Hogmanay Edinburgh Castle Pub, 950 Geary; 885-4074, www.castlenews.com. 8pm, $10. Celebrate "great love day" the Scottish way, with bagpipers, Celtic rockers Avalon Rising, and deep-fried Mars Bars.

J-Boogie New Year's Eve Element Lounge, 1026 Geary; www.elementlounge.com/NYE.htm. 9pm-4am, $60-80. J-Boogie mixes hip-hop and house at this party, which also features an open bar.

'The Knockout: New Year's Day Edition' Club Six, 60 Sixth St; www.clubsix1.com. Sat/1, 10pm-4am. $5. Keep the party going with DeeCee's Soul Shakedown, featuring Pam the Funkstress, Jah Yzer, Ross Hogg, DJ Neta, and De'.

'Mediterranean Nights New Year's Eve Party' Medjool, 2518 Mission; 550-9055. 9pm-2am, $40-60. DJs Nader and Aykut spin international music at this party, which also features belly dancers.

'NYE: Year of the Rooster' Club Six, 60 Sixth St; www.clubsix1.com. 9pm-4am, $20-25. Dance in the "henhouse" and "rooster's coop" to a full lineup of hip-hop, house, funk, and dancehall DJs, including Chicago's Marshall Jefferson and Jesse Saunders, plus a live performance by Broun Fellinis.

'New Year's Eve' Ruby Skye, 420 Mason; 693-0777, www.ticketweb.com. 7pm, $100. Bad Boy Bill, Steve Smooth, Dimitris Mykonos, and other DJs pack the dance floor; ambient entertainment by Earth Circus Production adds to the festivities.

'New Year's Marathon' Endup, 401 Sixth St; www.theendup.com. 10pm, $20-40. Stock up on Red Bull for this one: David Harness, Ellen Ferrato, and other DJs spin 19 hours of music.

1984 Cat Club, 1190 Folsom; www.1984sf.com. 9pm-4am, $15-25. Dance to new wave-'80s music at this party, themed "Living on Video."

'PNY: Planet New Years' Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva; 421-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com. 7pm, $40-150. Coolworld's party modestly dubs itself "America's premiere NYE music celebration"; performers and DJs include Blackalicious, Terry Mullen, Ferry Corsten, Lyrics Born, and Planet B.

Qoöl New Year's Eve 111 Minna, 111 Minna; 1-866-468-3399, www.ticketweb.com or www.qoolsf.com. 8pm-2am, $20-35. Jondi and Spesh, Smoove, Laird, Dirtyhertz, and Jaz man the turntables at this party.

'Resistance Lounge IV: My New Year's Revolution' El Rio, 3158 Mission; 710-1253, meddle@riseup.net. 8pm-2am, $20-50 (no one turned away for lack of funds). Direct Action to Stop the War benefits from this forward-thinking party, featuring spoken word and funky beats by Aphrodesia.

'Sea of Dreams: Surrealia!' San Francisco Regency Center Ballrooms, 1300 Van Ness; 864-1238, www.anonsalon.com. 8:30pm-4:30am, $75. Anon Salon's annual bash features multiple themed rooms, including a "Prism Palace" featuring DJs, performers, live bands, art installations, and more; costumes are encouraged.

'Seismic's Fast Forward' Mighty, 119 Utah; www.seismicsf.org. 9pm-6am, $30-75. Breakbeat legend Friendly headlines this party, which also features the DJ skills of Murphstar, Felix the Dog, Brad Robinson, and others.

'Slide into 2005' Call for location: 356-9897. 9pm-7am, $25-40. The Fool and S.W.A.T. team up for this warehouse party, featuring Miss Honey Dijon, Q-Burns Abstract Message, and others.

'Sublime' Bubble Lounge, 714 Montgomery; 434-4204, www.bubblelounge.com. 10pm-2am, $125. DJ Daryl Stubbs spins at this party, held at a bar that specializes in champagne.

'Tantra Punkadelik New Year's Eve' SomArts, 934 Brannan; 820-3201, www.tantrasf.com. 10pm-8am, $20-40. DJs spinning psytrance and world fusion and the psychedelic art of Punkadelik highlight this dance party.

Tongue and Groove 2513 Van Ness; 928-0404. 8pm, $90. The club hosts funk, rock, and hip-hop performances by Kwani Rebel, NEO, F.L.O., and DJ Treat-U-Nice, plus an open bar.

'Under the Stars' Levende Lounge, 1710 Mission; www.levendesf.com. 7pm, $20-95. Frenchy le Freak hosts this party, with DJs Andy Caldwell, Ellen Ferrato, M3, Michael Anthony, and others; a "Green Gorilla Lounge" after-party follows at 1:30am.

Bay Area

Mile High Club 3629 MLK Jr Way, Oakl; (510) 655-6161. 8pm-2am, call for price. To get in on the "Ghetto Gourmet" four-course dinner (8 to 10pm), e-mail gg5grilla@gmail.com; show up at 10pm for dancing to live music.

'New Year's Masquerade Bash' Blush, 261 California, Burlingame; (650) 347-7710, www.blushnightclub.com. 8pm, $15-20. Masks are encouraged at this dance party, featuring DJs spinning top 40, '80s favorites, and more.

'Professionals Guild New Year's Eve Party' Marriott Hotel, 2600 Bishop, San Ramon; (925) 937-4744, www.pguild.com. 8:30pm-1am. $59-69. Enjoy casino games and dance band Howlin' Alan at this huge party for single professionals.

Shattuck Down Low 2284 Shattuck, Berk; (510) 548-1159, www.shattuckdownlow.com. 8pm, $5-10. DJs Platurn, Zeph, and others spin at this bash.

'White Horse Annual New Year's Eve Celebration' White Horse Bar, 6551 Telegraph, Oakl; (510) 652-3820. 8pm, $10. DJ Eclat spins the tunes at this party, featuring drink specials all night long.

events

City Kayak Embarcadero at Townsend; 357-1010, www.citykayak.com. 9pm-1am, $60. Prior paddling experience is required for this trip under the Bay Bridge, offering excellent views of waterfront fireworks.

'Japanese New Year's Bell Ringing Ceremony' Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin; 581-3500, www.asianart.org. 11am, free with museum admission ($6-10). The Asian Art Museum hosts its 19th annual ceremony, based on a Japanese Buddhist custom, of striking a 16th-century bell 108 times to bring good luck in the year ahead.

Vampire Tour of San Francisco's New Year's Eve Tour Meet at California and Taylor; (650) 279-1840, www.sfvampiretour.com. 8-10pm, $15-20. Mina Harker leads a spooky walking tour of Nob Hill.

concerts

AC/DShe, Gator Alley, Stanleys Slim's, 333 11th St; 522-0333, www.slims-sf.com. 9pm, $20-25. The all-girl AC/DC cover band headlines this rockin' New Year's Eve show.

'Carols in the Caves: A Concert for the New Year' Grace Cathedral, 1100 California; (707) 224-4222. Sun/2, 3pm. $40. Multi-instrumentalist David Auerbach performs holiday music on dulcimers, harps, panpipes, steel drums, and more.

Crown City Rockers, Zion I Elbo Room, 647 Valencia; www.ticketweb.com. 9pm, $10-20. Expect the dance floor to be packed at this show, featuring a mix of hip-hop, dub, and reggae by two local favorites.

Gold Chains and Sue Cie, Hey Willpower, DJs Dr. Dreary and Brother Grimm Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell; 861-2011. 9pm, $15-20. Eclectic music highlights this dance-happy party.

John Handy, Kim Nalley Jazz at Pearl's, 256 Columbus; 291-8255. 9 and 11pm, $50-120. Saxophonist Handy performs with guest vocalist Nalley.

Haul and Mason Milk, 1840 Haight; www.milksf.com. 10pm, $10-20. The Los Angeles-based hip-hop DJs spin into 2005.

John Lee Hooker Jr. Biscuits and Blues, 401 Mason; 292-BLUES. 8pm, $75; 11pm, $95. Dinner and champagne are part of this bluesy New Year's bash.

Lovemakers, Paradise Boys, DJ Jefrodisiac Cafe du Nord, 2170 Market; 861-5016, www.cafedunord.com. 9pm, $25. Rock into the New Year at this show.

'Mermen New Year's Eve' Beach Chalet, 1000 Great Highway; 386-8439, www.beachchalet.com. 10pm, $25. The psychedelic surf band perform, with videos by VJ Pussy Cat.

'Music at Grace Cathedral' 1100 California; www.gracecathedral.org. 10pm, free. Organist Susan Jane Matthews and the Omega West Dance Company perform uplifting music and dance.

New Monsoon, Hot Buttered Rum String Band, Hairy Apes BMX 12 Galaxies, 2565 Mission; 970-9777. 9pm, $30. This rock-, world-, and folk-flavored show features a midnight champagne toast and a full breakfast served at the end of the night.

'New Year's Eve Gala' Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness; 864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org. 9pm, $89-148. Edwin Outwater conducts this San Francisco Symphony gala concert of Viennese waltzes and Broadway tunes, with featured performer Kristin Chenoweth (conducted by Andrew Lippa) and dancers Sean Hingston and Vince Pesce. Champagne and dancing follow (musical program repeats Sat/1, 2pm, as "Vienna Woods/New York Nights: Songs of Two Cities," $15-85).

'New Year's Frog Out!' Fillmore, 1805 Geary; 421-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com. 9pm, $57.50. The Les Claypool Frog Brigade perform, with special guest Gabby Lala.

Papa Mali and the Instigators Boom Boom Room, 1601 Fillmore; 673-8000. 9:15pm-2am, $35. The bluesy-funky soul band ring in the New Year with dancing, balloons, and champagne at midnight.

Reverend Horton Heat Bimbo's 365 Club, 1025 Columbus; 478-2277. 9pm, $75. Ring in 2005 rockabilly-style with the Rev, plus Zooma Zooma, Kitty Kitty Bang Bang Burlesque, and special appearances by "the girl in the fishbowl."

Rogue Wave, Kelley Stoltz, Herms Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St; 621-4455. 10pm, $20-25. Rock out San Francisco-style with this bill of local artists.

Soulive, Bing Ji Ling Independent, 628 Divisadero; 771-1421. 9pm, $85. The ticket price for this funky, jazzy show includes an open bar.

Tea Leaf Green, A.L.O. Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell; 885-0750, www.musichallsf.com. 9pm, $30. Greet the New Year with the San Francisco jam-rock standouts.

Tita y Su Cuban Son Peña Pachamama, 1630 Powell; 646-0018. 5:30pm, $39.95; 7pm, $49.95; 9pm, $59.95 (reservations required). The Cuban group perform at this dinner, music, and dancing show.

Von Iva, Veronica Lipgloss and the Evil Eyes, Death Rock Booty Call DJ Krew Hemlock Tavern, 1131 Polk; 923-0923. 10pm, $10. The all-female pop-rock group Von Iva headline this show.

Wesla Whitfield, Mike Greensill Plush Room, York Hotel, 940 Sutter; 885-2800. 7:30 and 10:30pm, $45-90. The duo perform their 25th-anniversary show, In My Life.

Bay Area

Jerome Batiste and the Zydeko Players Eagles Hall, 2305 Alameda, Alameda; (415) 285-6285. 9pm, $35. The Houston group play zydeco tunes into the New Year.

Will Downing Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakl; (510) 625-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com. 7pm, $45.50-85.50. The R&B and jazz standout performs an early show, with special guests Kem and Kenny Lattimore.

David Jeffrey Fourtet Albatross Pub, 1822 San Pablo, Berk; (510) 843-2473. 10pm-1am, $5. Berkeley's oldest pub provides jazz and plenty of beer and spirits to welcome 2005.

Joshua Redman Elastic Band Yoshi's, 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakl; (510) 238-9200. 9pm, $100. The band play two sets, featuring Sam Yahel and Brian Blade.

Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers USS Hornet, Pier Three, Alameda Point, Alameda; (510) 521-8448. 7:30pm, $75-125. Swing-dance like it's 1945 aboard the historic aircraft carrier.

'New Year's Eve Bluegrass Gala' Freight and Salvage Coffee House, 1111 Addison, Berk; (510) 548-1761. 8pm, $25.50. High Country, Dix Bruce, and Jim Nunally make for a foot-stompin' New Year's Eve.

New Year's Eve dance La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck, Berk; (510) 849-2568. 9:30pm, $22. A host of Latin musicians cheer the New Year, led by José Roberto Hernández and guests.

People, DJ Benzine Blakes, 2367 Telegraph, Berk; (510) 848-0886. 9pm, $15. A funky New Year's Eve is guaranteed at this rock-reggae dance party.

Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express Ivy Room, 858 San Pablo, Berk; (510) 524-9220, www.ivyroom.com. Call for time and price. The rocker performs a special New Year's Eve show.

SanJazz Sextet Sanchez Concert Hall, 1220A Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica; (650) 355-1882. 9pm-1am, $45. This semiformal celebration features dinner and dancing, party favors, and champagne at midnight.

That 1 Guy Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck, Berk; (510) 843-8277, www.jupiterbeer.com. 9pm-1am, $10. The unique one-man band (a.k.a. Mike Silverman) performs at this party.

Bobby Womack Kimball's East, 6005 Shellmound, Emeryville; (510) 658-2555. 8 and 10pm, $60-90. The R&B singer performs.

comedy and performance

'Beach Blanket Babylon' Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St); 421-4222. 7 and 10:15pm, $60-180. Steve Silver's long-running, ever-changing musical revue goes extra big with two special New Year's Eve performances.

Sandra Bernhard Alcazar Theatre, 650 Geary; 441-4042, www.tickets.com. 8pm, $75; 10:30pm, $89. The acclaimed comedian and chanteuse performs two New Year's Eve shows.

'Big Fat Year-End Kiss-Off Comedy Show' Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Marina at Laguna; www.ticketweb.com. 7pm, $25; 10pm, $40. Will Durst headlines this comical look back at 2004.

Scott Capurro Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St; www.tickets.com. 8pm, $25. The comedian performs "Erect on New Year's!," with special guest Kitten on the Keys.

'Comedy Countdown' Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon; (415) 421-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com. 9:30pm, $60. Nick Swardson, Daniel Tosh, and other comedians ring in the New Year.

'The Donny Parvo Show' Jelly's Nightclub, 295 Terry François; 867-0277, www.domeoverride.com. 10:30pm-2am, $20. "Casino comedy rocker" Parvo performs; dancing follows the show.

'Fauxgirls!' Marlena's, 488 Hayes; 864-6672. 10pm, free. The drag cabaret performers host their annual New Year's Eve party, with special guest stars and free champagne at midnight.

'Free Stand-Up Comedy New Year's Eve' San Francisco Comedy College Clubhouse, 414 Mason, Ste. 705; www.sfcomedycollege.com. 8pm, free. The Stand-Up Project (Sean Hetherington, Anthony Hill, Reggie Steele, and Michael Stack) celebrate New Year's Eve.

Greg Proops Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Columbus; www.cobbscomedyclub.com or www.ticketweb.com. Thurs/30 and Sat/1-Sun/2, 8pm (also Sat/1, 10:15pm); Fri/31, 7 and 10pm. $22-50. Dana Gould and Patton Oswalt (Dec 31 only) join headliner Proops (Whose Line Is It Anyway?).

'Ring in the New Year with Bobby Slayton' Punch Line, 444 Battery; (415) 421-TIXS, www.punchlinecomedyclub.com. Wed/29-Thurs/30, 9pm; Fri/31, 8 and 10:30pm. $12-75. Comedian Bobby Slayton headlines, with Robert Duchaine and Kevin Shea; the New Year's Eve late show includes a champagne toast and postshow dancing.

True Fiction Magazine Florence Gould Theater, California Palace of the Legion of Honor, 34th Ave at Clement; www.truefictionmagazine.com. 8pm, $20. The improv ensemble performs a special New Year's Eve show.

Bay Area

'Black Comedy Explosion' Paramont Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakl; (510) 444-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com. 11:30pm, $39.50-75.50. Earthquake, Sheryl Underwood, Paul Mooney, and other comedians perform at the 14th annual event.

'Johnny Steele's Hilarity Hoedown and Jocularity Jamboree' Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College, Berk; (925) 798-1300, www.juliamorgan.org. 9:30pm, $22-28. Comedian Johnny Steele hosts this variety show, featuring stand-up acts, music by Red Meat, a "To Hell with '04" midnight countdown, and more.

'New Year's Eve Dada Party' Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby, Berk; (510) 841-6500, www.shotgunplayers.org. 8pm, $35. Shotgun Players perform Tom Stoppard's Travesties, followed by a Dada-themed gala.

'The Refinery 3.0' Black Repertory Group Theatre, 3201 Adeline, Oakl; www.remarkablecurrent.com/store.html. 9pm-1am, $20. Remarkable Current hosts this concert of music and spoken word, with poet Amir Sulaiman, hip-hop artist Tyson, traditional Moroccan musician Sidi Yassir, and jazz artist Khalil Shaheed.